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Spinning Water Pump

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Curious, what with my overheating problem after re-installing my radiator, what if I pull the top off my thermostat and lift out the thermostat, open the heater valve and pop the rad cap...can I slip my fan belt off and free up the water pump and spin my water pump and get some pumping action though my cooling system. I could probably get the pump to spin with some kind of drill and pulley rig. Would that work? Just to observe the flow though the rad and water pump housing (thermostat opening).
 
Bill
Yes you could spin it up this way. That could be a good idea just to make sure it works properly. Just make sure you spin it in the direction of engine rotation, and not too fast.
Dave
 
Bill,
Are you planning to put the thermostat cover back on after you pull the thermostat? If not you will only see a small amount of water movement before there is no water at the level of the waterpump. When the water level drops to where the impeller is not covered you will not see any more movement.
If you reinstall the thermostat housing. you can start the engine and see what is flowing into the radiator from the top hose by looking into the radiator fill tube. You'll have more time to observe without losing water. It takes several minutes for the engine to reach operating temperature at idle and no thermostat.
One last thought. Be careful with the drill and pulley rig. Water pumps drain enough power that some drag racers use electric pumps. I don't know how much power, or torque it takes to turn a TR6 pump at low speed. But you don't want to hit the drill trigger and have the drill body rotate instead of the pulley\pump. Holding the drill in this situation may require more grip than a person can apply. It the drill body rotates and gets away from you. It could damage the car, or injure you.
 
Bill,

Take out the stat, replace the cover, open the valve and let it idle for two cups of coffee. There will probably be one or two big hiccups and then all will be well in Dr. Bill land.
 
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